Too much pressure on a nerve causes a pinched nerve. It is frequently an action that is repeated or continuously for an extended period. Crossing your legs, for example, might cause numbness along the outside of your leg and the top of your foot. When your legs are crossed, your other leg compresses the nerve at your outer leg bone. Roswell pinched nerve can also occur due to pressure from other structures within your body, such as a herniated disc. Symptoms may be worse while leaning forward and better when leaning backward in this scenario. Lower back and neck discomfort are more likely to be caused by aging-related conditions like bone loss or activities such as weight lifting.
An overview of the pinched nerve
A “pinched nerve” refers to the unpleasant sensation, discomfort, or numbness that occurs when increased pressure causes irritation or injury to a peripheral nerve. (A peripheral nerve is not located within the brain or spinal cord.) Although this illness is frequently connected with back pain or a neck injury, it can affect any nerve.
Where do pinched nerves happen in your body?
Pinched nerves can happen anywhere in your body, depending on where the nerves are impacted. The following are the most typical sites where you will feel the consequences of a pinched nerve:
- Shoulder and neck (compressed cervical nerves).
- Upper back and chest (compressed thoracic and lumbar nerves).
- Arm and elbow discomfort (produced by pressure on the ulnar nerve; for example, when you strike your elbow’s “funny bone”).
- Hand and wrist (often caused by carpal tunnel syndrome).
Risk factors for a pinched nerve
A pinched nerve can be caused by anything that raises pressure around a nerve. Body positions such as resting on elbows, crossing legs regularly, or poor posture are common reasons. This may cause pressure damage to nerves in these areas over time.
- Disc herniation or bulging discs, as well as spinal arthritis, can pressure nerve roots, resulting in pain or discomfort linked with a pinched nerve.
- Pregnancy is a frequent risk factor for developing some forms of pinched nerves, as it is accompanied by increased weight and, on occasion, water retention.
- Repetitive activity (typing and using specialized equipment) can cause swelling around specific nerves, resulting in pinched nerve sensations.
- Thyroid disorders (particularly hypothyroidism or low thyroid hormone levels) can lead to both water retention and weight gain and increase the risk of some types of pinched nerves.
How to prevent pinched nerves
Certain lifestyle modifications, such as stopping smoking, lowering weight if you are overweight, and avoiding strenuous activity, can reduce your chance of a pinched nerve. Avoid repeated tasks such as typing for long periods without pauses or lifting weights. Also, avoid putting prolonged pressure on sections of your body, notably your arms and legs.
With home therapy, many people recover completely from a pinched nerve. When medical or surgical treatment is required, the chances of complete recovery are excellent. Consult your physician if the pain and other indicators of your pinched nerve do not improve within a few days. Call Apex Spine and Neurosurgery or book your appointment online to determine which pinch nerve therapy is ideal for you.